The dreaded hemorrhoid....

dobrydney

First off, hopefully I spelled that right.  Secondly, this is obviously a TMI post. 

I randomly got my first hemorrhoid the other night--SUPER!  I haven't even been constipated, so I'm just assuming it's a random combination of pregnancy awesomeness (hormones/added pressure/less frequent poops).  I got pads (the kind that look like they're for acne) that are soaked in witch hazel and have been using them a few times a day.  I was just going to buy a giant bottle of witch hazel and make my own, but the stupid pharmacy I stopped at didn't have it and I was on my lunch break.  I also tried icing it last night.  It is a true feat to try and ice your butt hole, if you've never tried it.  I'm on weekly appointments now, and I don't really see a reason to call my Dr. since they're common.  I'll see him on Monday and if it hasn't improved I'll talk to him about it, but anything that has worked wonders for anyone and is preggo safe?  I know something that isn't helping is me having a desk job from 9-5...ugh.  I'm sitting on a pillow today :-(  I told my coworkers my hips hurt....

babymama619

I love that the pillow is for your hips

MannaPants

I got one a few weeks ago. No constipation, no extra strain, nothing. But so far it hasn't hurt and only bled once (and we're talking about a ridiculously small amount of blood). MW said to leave it alone. So, I have. Hasn't gone away of course, but I'm learning to ignore it.

McJen715

I got them bad after DD1 was born. They're terrible, and flare up from time to time. A combo of witch hazel pads and hemorrhoid cream helps. At the beginning of this pregnancy when I was constipated my doctor prescribed me rx strength cream which helped. I also recommend taking a stool softener to make sure things come out easy and don't irritate them. Sorry, they are awful!

dobrydney

MannaPants said:

I got one a few weeks ago. No constipation, no extra strain, nothing. But so far it hasn't hurt and only bled once (and we're talking about a ridiculously small amount of blood). MW said to leave it alone. So, I have. Hasn't gone away of course, but I'm learning to ignore it.

Mine isn't so much "painful" as it's uncomfortable.  I think partially it's just the straw that broke the camels back type thing.  Just getting to that point where I'm super uncomfortable and wish I didn't have to come to work everyday!  But, in theory, a hemorrhoid is something that can be "treated" where other preggo symptoms just are what they are!

bmqcmg

I got one while I was pg with DD and it came back at the start of this pg. I use a cream for mine and that is it. I have also started using wet wipes after I have a bowel movement since the toilet paper tends to irritate it more. I asked me OB about it because it gets so painful sometimes that I am worried about it bursting while in labor but he told me that he has never seen that happen.  

Glitteraati

I got my first one last week too! No constipation, no straining, nothing. It just decided to make an appearance last Monday.  It was SO painful and uncomfortable. Then by Wednesday I thought it was getting better, and all of a sudden horrible pain again!! Turns out it birthed a baby hemorrhoid with it, i.e. I now have a 2nd one! I also used the Tucks Witch Hazel pads but they didn't really do much for me.  I hated sitting down; I sat on my sweater at work for comfort Laying on your side helps.  Sorry I wish I had a good remedy but I think it just takes its time   I found some 48 hour cure online but it's a combo of WEIRD things and am not sure if it's even safe!? Hope you get relief soon!

wendy2613

I have one that keeps coming back. I just use the Tuck pads and wipe with DD's wipes after BM. Nothing else much you can do.

mm&es

The only thing that made me feel better were hot baths.  The other night, I woke up at 2am and was in so much pain that I just soaked in a hot bath for 20 minutes.  I've heard that a combo of ice and then heat can be very effective, but a hot bath just seemed more appealing to me. 

IforShort

Some things that may help: wet wipes instead of toilet paper during bowel movements, preparation h, tucks, sitz baths with Epsom salt, sitting on ice pack, elevation (think inversions and downward facing dog pose), laying down, colace stool softener. It will probably get worse during delivery (sorry) but will hopefully clear up postpartum. External ones heal quicker than internal. You can also ask your doctor for cortisone enemas to help with swelling. Good luck!

Edit to add more ideas

dobrydney

Thanks ladies!  I'll give the suggestions a try.  It's nice to know I'm not alone in this joy of pregnancy!

dobrydney

IforShort said:

Some things that may help: wet wipes instead of toilet paper during bowel movements, preparation h, tucks, sitz baths with Epsom salt, sitting on ice pack, elevation (think inversions and downward facing dog pose), laying down, colace stool softener. It will probably get worse during delivery (sorry) but will hopefully clear up postpartum. External ones heal quicker than internal. You can also ask your doctor for cortisone enemas to help with swelling. Good luck! Edit to add more ideas

I figured they'd get worse with delivery, I was just ignoring the fact haha.  Last night I had a mini hormonal breakdown to DH whining about all of the craptastic symptoms of pregnancy!

mwagner25

FYI I found a bottle of witch hazel at the dollar store... I bought it to make padsicles. So if you are cheap like me I would go there for a bottle rather than spend the money at CVS or Walgreens.

Maimes10

Yeah, mine showed up out of the blue about 3 days prior to the strep b test..needless to say the exploration into that particular area for the swab was not uber comfy!

robinyukiko

I've had some painful ones pop up. My OB suggested making a paste from refined white sugar and a LITTLE water and apply it to the area (wear a pad). On days I can be bothered to do it, I keep it there and sit on a towel for a bit before my shower. It seemed to make the swelling go down the day I kept it there for an hour or two.

Also, the best way to ice might be to just sit on an ice pack. I've been using the Boppy and putting the pack in the opening.

IforShort

dobrydney said:

I figured they'd get worse with delivery, I was just ignoring the fact haha.  Last night I had a mini hormonal breakdown to DH whining about all of the craptastic symptoms of pregnancy!

Whine all you need, they suck!

Chargersgrl33

I've had one non-stop since this pregnancy started and boy oh boy does it get huge sometimes.  TMI I know but I can't help it.  It's horrible!  Prep H and tucks pads have been my only source of relief so far. 

kabrissette

I have irritable bowel syndrome and had struggled with these off and on prior to pregnancy, but ironically while pregnant I was getting off easy and had no issues... until this week. Suddenly I have one that's really painful and uncomfortable

I'm trying the ice trick and will be stopping at the store for some OTC meds... for the pain and itching I really recommend Tronolane cream, it works a lot better than Prep H!

dobrydney

Maimes10 said:

Yeah, mine showed up out of the blue about 3 days prior to the strep b test..needless to say the exploration into that particular area for the swab was not uber comfy!

Ugh!  I have mine not this coming Monday but the one after, so we'll see!

dobrydney

It seems to be getting very marginally better, although I may just be trying to make myself feel better!  I have only been using tucks pads and ice, so I thin I might buy some prep H and see if that gets me anywhere!